Hazel Blears: The Ferociously Effective Politician

A Legacy of Public Service

Hazel Blears is known for her dedication to public service, serving as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Salford and Salford and Eccles from 1997 to 2015. During her tenure, she held various positions, including Minister without Portfolio and Chair of the Labour Party, and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 14, 1956, in Salford, Lancashire, Hazel Blears is the daughter of Arthur Blears, a maintenance fitter. She was educated at Worsley Wardley Grammar School, Eccles College, and Trent Polytechnic (now Nottingham Trent University), where she graduated with a BA Hons degree in law. She later attended Chester College of Law in 1977.

Parliamentary Career

Described by journalist Michael White as a "ferociously effective networker," Blears stood in Tatton in 1987 against Neil Hamilton and in 1992 in Bury South, where she lost by 788 votes. At the 1997 general election, she was elected as the Labour MP for Salford, her home seat. She became the Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to the Minister of State at the Department of Health Alan Milburn until 1998, and later to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury Andrew Smith in 1999.

Rise to Prominence

In the run-up to the 2001 general election, Blears was a member and later deputy head of the Labour Party campaign team, a group of backbenchers tasked with campaigning around the country. This raised her national profile, leading to her appointment as Minister without Portfolio and Chair of the Labour Party in 2006. She later became the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government in 2007.

The Expenses Scandal and Resignation

In 2009, Blears resigned as Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government due to her involvement in the expenses scandal. She was accused of claiming second-home expenses on a property in London while paying no capital gains tax on the sale of her main home in Salford. Although she denied any wrongdoing, she eventually repaid £13,000 in expenses. Prime Minister Gordon Brown praised her contribution to public life, stating that she had made an "outstanding contribution."

Later Career and Legacy

After her resignation, Blears continued to serve as an MP until 2015, when she stood down at the general election. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her commitment to public service, community development, and social justice. Her legacy as a ferociously effective politician continues to inspire future generations of politicians and public servants.

Personal Milestones

• 1968: Attended Worsley Wardley Grammar School
• 1977: Graduated from Trent Polytechnic with a BA Hons degree in law
• 1987: Stood in Tatton against Neil Hamilton
• 1992: Stood in Bury South
• 1997: Elected as Labour MP for Salford
• 2001: Became a member of the Labour Party campaign team
• 2006: Appointed Minister without Portfolio and Chair of the Labour Party
• 2007: Became Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government
• 2009: Resigned as Secretary of State due to the expenses scandal
• 2010: Reelected as MP for Salford and Eccles
• 2015: Stood down at the general election

Quotes and Memorable Sayings

"I am deeply sorry for any confusion or inconvenience caused by my mistake. I have always sought to act with integrity and to follow the rules." - Hazel Blears, on her involvement in the expenses scandal.